Michael Collins is vice president of the Center for Racial Economic Equity at JFF. He leads the development and implementation of JFF’s strategy to influence the practices of educational institutions, workforce organizations, intermediaries, associations, states, systems, and philanthropy.
His skills and areas of expertise include:
Before joining JFF, Collins was assistant commissioner for participation and success at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, where he collaborated with state and federal officials, educators, and other stakeholders to develop pre-K to postsecondary education policy.
Educational background:
JFF’s Disrupt the Divide initiative supports postsecondary institutions in increasing Black learners’ success in accessing and completing programs that lead to high-wage jobs in growing industries. Results The six participating community colleges will partner with…
Learning and Outcomes Workforce Communities of Inquiry (WCI), a key component of JFF’s workforce transformation strategy, provides workforce development practitioners with the training, tools, and support needed to engage in community-driven research. Learning and Outcomes…
An in-depth scan of the market of solutions employers can use to expand employee access to wraparound supports that remove barriers to success on the job. Key Takeaways Employers need to understand the factors such…
To boost the economy and create conditions for equitable economic advancement for all, employers must focus on the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Black working moms and other populations facing systemic barriers. Conclusion Employers have…
Associate’s degrees and credentials in information technology (IT) can open up pathways to high-wage careers with opportunities for economic advancement. But Black learners and workers face structural barriers that limit their ability to access and…
At Jobs for the Future, we believe that language matters to our mission of driving equitable economic advancement for all. The words we use every day can perpetuate and exacerbate inequality, but they can also…
In today’s economic landscape, it’s crucial for business leaders to understand and address the needs, aspirations, and capabilities of their frontline workers. By doing so, they gain a multitude of benefits that create new career…
This framework provides a set of recommendations for postsecondary institutions and employers to support Black learners and workers to build professional social capital. It expands on a related JFF market scan that maps the landscape…
Eliminating the economic barriers facing Black Americans will require bold, race-conscious solutions that touch every facet of U.S. society. Let’s Get Started As noted in this report, education and training alone cannot eliminate the wealth…